Arts & Culture

Arts & Culture

Art and culture has always been an important part of Reno life. We are a vibrant community filled with artistic, talented and an energetic arts community who thrive on sharing their talents with Reno and the world. Below you will find a list of many of the art and cultural events that happen throughout the year.

Reno Philharmonic Association

The Reno Philharmonic is northern Nevada’s largest performing arts organization and a resident company of the Pioneer Center for Performing Arts with something for all tastes from Classical to Pop. Beginning in 1969 and its 46th Season, the orchestra, led by music director Laura Jackson (only the 4th conductor since its inception), is a part-time, per-service orchestra comprised of over 60 professional musicians who perform more than 30 concerts annually throughout the Reno, Carson Valley and Lake Tahoe region.

Pioneer Center for Performing Arts

Located in downtown Reno, the Pioneer Center for Performing Arts offers 1,500 seats and has two resident companies: Reno Philharmonic and the A.V.A. Ballet Theatre. Believing that the arts are essential to the community’s quality of life and well-being, they strive to present the highest quality performing arts program in northern Nevada.

Artown

Artown began in 1996 “as a way to counteract suburban flight and revitalize downtown Reno by getting more people to visit the city center. An arts themed festival was created through the efforts of civic leaders, business people, and the arts community.”

Nevada Museum of Art

“For almost its entire 80-year history, the Nevada Museum of Art has provided significant arts education programming for the public, school-aged youth, teachers, and artists in northern Nevada. Providing rich cultural programming for the community and region has been a central focus of the Museum’s educational mission, and the Museum seeks to further this important foundation of work.”

National Automobile Museum

The National Automobile Museum (from the collection of the world-famous late Bill Harrah) opened in 1989 and “was reported to have set the standard for auto museums worldwide with its extensive collection and innovative design.” Be among the two million visitors to explore the museum every year. You will see everything from vintage, classic and special interest automobiles, rare and one-of-a-kind wonders, dynamic race cars and one of the finest Horseless Carriage collections in the world.

The Discovery – Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum

“The Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum is a hands-on museum dedicated to inspiring lifelong learning in science, technology, engineering, art, math, and the world around us.” The Discovery is designed not just to meet this need, but to raise the bar for fun, family-based learning throughout the Reno-Tahoe community. The addition of this museum to the community has helped to spark learning and curiosity in a fun and interactive environment for children.

Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival

“The Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization established for the cultural benefit and enjoyment of all residents of and visitors to our region.” It is held every summer at Sand Harbor State Park on the East side of the lake. It features a variety of performances not limited to Shakespeare plays. It is one of the most favored outdoor cultural events each year and hosts more than 24,000 patrons each year.

Riverwalk District

The Truckee River runs through the center of Reno and lining its banks is an urban renaissance with boutique shops, dining, pubs, outdoor entertainment, and a whitewater park known as the Riverwalk District. With parks, public art, the West St. Market, whitewater park, beer crawls and wine walks, Reno’s oldest church, a number of museums and a variety of community events throughout the year, the Riverwalk District is family friendly and has something for everyone.

MidTown District

The Midtown District, south of downtown Reno, has a slightly different flavor from its northern neighbor. It is a bustling, eco-friendly art community wholly locally owned and operated. This district continues to improve and change each season and we are proud of this community and the people changing the face of this neighborhood.

Entertainment and Events

The Grand Sierra Resort is Reno-Tahoe’s top choice for grand entertainment and events. From oldies and favorites to mainstream artists and niche genres our entertainment and events have a range and eclectic mix unmatched in Reno-Tahoe. Click here find out what’s happening and see top talent.

Reno Culture

Reno's nickname, "The Biggest Little City" isn't for nothing. Reno-Tahoe is in the midst of a downtown revitalization with many farm-to-fork restaurants, an artsy mid-town district, and a thriving nightlife. We also have many museums, art galleries, and cultural and community events throughout the year.